Sexpectations // Part One

Sexpectations is my new photo series on the pressures, stereotypes, and expectations in our culture due to our gender, appearance, and lifestyles. All of the captions you will see throughout the series are comments or expectations that real people have sent in, as well as real stories from incredibly brave and vulnerable humans. Feel free to leave a comment below at any time regarding a statement or pressure you’ve experienced, and it just might be featured next. It can be a comment, a family pressure, an expectation from the media, a challenging experience you’ve had based on your appearance or gender. Essentially, these boxes we are placed in cause insecurities, and Sexpectations is about giving a voice to those who have felt insecure and ashamed of who they are, and bringing light to some dark places. This series is not about judgment or about all of us having the same opinions or lifestyle choices, but rather an opportunity for us to seek a better understanding of each other and a deeper sense of shared purpose. //

“A woman’s place is in the kitchen…”

“Well, what were you wearing?”

“Why couldn’t you just keep your knees together?”

To continue following the Sexpectations series, head over to my Instagram at @RachaelLeeStroud, and don’t forget to leave a comment below to share your own story and get involved.